Boise releases FY26 proposed budget prioritizing public safety, maintenance and limited new positions
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Summary
Boise City officials presented a proposed fiscal year 2026 budget that keeps core services while increasing capital transfers and targeted investments in public safety, parks and maintenance; the document funds 16 new full‑time positions and schedules a public hearing July 15.
Boise City leaders presented a proposed fiscal year 2026 budget on June 24 that totals about $950 million across all funds and $331.3 million for tax‑supported funds in the General Fund.
The proposal, presented by Eric (city staff member) and Alicia (city staff member), aims to protect core services while increasing the city’s annual transfer to the capital fund, adding 16 new full‑time positions across the organization and directing one‑time dollars toward major repairs and maintenance. The proposal schedules a public hearing on the budget for July 15 and anticipates later steps for adoption.
The nut graf: city staff said the FY26 document balances constrained revenue growth with growing nondiscretionary costs. Officials emphasized investments to maintain public safety staffing and technology, increase funding for major repairs and maintenance (MRM), and position the city to manage long‑term risks such as rising insurance, software and retirement costs.
Key figures and priorities - Total FY26 budget across all funds: just under $950,000,000 (city staff figure). The tax‑supported funds in the General Fund are about $331,300,000, a 1.1% increase over FY25. - Staffing: 2,133 full‑time positions citywide, including 16 new positions proposed in FY26. Staff said the new positions include six police officers, four ERP support positions, two forestry positions, two park maintenance positions and a records/treasury role among others. - Capital and MRM: Capital fund investments of roughly $51.4 million (enterprise and capital combined in the presentation) and a separate capital budget of about $46 million were highlighted; staff emphasized a $10.1 million MRM package and a one‑time $2.2 million transfer from the General Fund to capital for urgent repairs. - Reserves/contingency: staff described a cash flow reserve at approximately 8% of General Fund revenues (about $22,000,000) and separate economic uncertainty and unallocated operating contingencies. Staff said those reserves are intended to provide a buffer against revenue volatility.
Why it matters: presenters said the city faces a structural budgeting challenge — personnel and fixed costs have been growing faster than the city’s primary revenue sources (property, sales and liquor taxes). The proposed FY26 package is aimed at limiting service disruption while beginning to address deferred maintenance and capacity risks.
Discussion and next steps Council members questioned contingency levels, carry‑forward amounts and the balance between one‑time and ongoing funding. Staff said carry‑forward available for FY26 is smaller than prior years ($1.2 million versus about $9 million in FY25) in part because vacancy savings have declined and the city has been more proactive in allocating resources year‑to‑year.
Staff will return to council with: the public hearing on July 15; a fall ordinance laying out Property Tax Rebate Program parameters; and a July IBC (interdepartmental budget change) to seek limited‑duration positions and change‑management resources tied to the ERP selection process. The council did not take formal votes during the workshop.
Ending: Staff asked for council guidance and public feedback; the city has opened a public budget feedback portal and said it will compile responses prior to the July public hearing.
